Why Go to Orlando
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
No place in the world celebrates the joy of childhood quite like Orlando. Maybe it's the first glimpse of Cinderella Castle or EPCOT's Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World, sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando, exploring the brand-new worlds of Universal's Epic Universe, or watching the orcas and dolphins at SeaWorld. Orlando reminds you that being young is a state of mind.
It isn't just for kids. Orlando offers something for every age, from thrill rides and water parks to world-class dining, shopping and nightlife at Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk. Beyond the parks, the sunny climate makes it a top golf destination, and you can explore downtown Orlando, the charming Winter Park area and nearby natural springs where you can swim, kayak or spot manatees in winter. Kennedy Space Center and the Atlantic beaches are about an hour away.
With so many parks, tickets and hotel options, planning makes all the difference. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you decide which parks to visit, handle tickets, hotels and dining reservations and build a park strategy so your family gets more fun with less waiting.
BEST FOR
Families, theme-park fans, golfers and multi-generational groups
BEST MONTHS
January to early March and September to mid-November
EXPLORE
International Drive has entertainment and convention hotels; Lake Buena Vista is convenient for Walt Disney World; Universal Orlando is near the north end of the tourist corridor, while downtown has lakeside parks.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Orlando
North America › Southeast › USA › Florida
Theme park magic, sunny lakes and family adventures in the heart of Florida.
Family
Theme Parks
Shopping
Golf
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Plan a rest day midway through your trip. Spend it at the resort pool or a natural spring like Wekiwa, and your family will have more energy for the parks.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Book dining reservations and Lightning Lane access as early as your window allows, and plan each park day in advance.
Walt Disney World Resort
Four theme parks, two water parks and dozens of resorts make up the Most Magical Place on Earth, from Magic Kingdom's castle to EPCOT's World Showcase.
Stay at a Universal hotel for early park admission, and give Epic Universe a full day of its own.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and the new Epic Universe bring Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and blockbuster thrills to life.
Mako and Pipeline are must-dos for coaster fans; ride them early before lines grow.
SeaWorld Orlando
Thrilling roller coasters, marine life shows and animal encounters combine at this popular park.
Ride the Wheel at sunset for views stretching across the theme parks.
ICON Park
An entertainment complex on International Drive anchored by the 400-foot Wheel, with restaurants and attractions.
Check the launch schedule; you might catch a real rocket launch during your visit.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
See real rockets, meet an astronaut and explore the Space Shuttle Atlantis, about an hour east of Orlando.
A luxury resort inside Walt Disney World with a lazy river, rooftop dining and fireworks views.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Golden Oak / Walt Disney World Area
Family
An elegant resort near Disney Springs with a championship golf course and a spa.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Bonnet Creek / Walt Disney World Area
Family
A family-friendly resort in Bonnet Creek with a lazy river, pools and easy access to Disney parks.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
Bonnet Creek / Walt Disney World Area
Family
A sprawling resort with a lagoon-style pool, golf and easy access to Disney World.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
Lake Buena Vista / Grand Cypress
Family
A large convention resort near Universal and International Drive, with pools and golf.
Rosen Shingle Creek
Universal Boulevard / Shingle Creek
Family · Value
Disney's flagship Victorian-style resort, on the monorail a few minutes from Magic Kingdom.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Walt Disney World / Magic Kingdom area
Family
An Italian-seaside-inspired resort with early park admission and front-of-line passes for Universal.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando
Family
A retro, good-value Universal hotel with a lazy river and walking access to the parks.
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal Orlando
Family · Value
A colorful family suite resort with themed pools and Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Walt Disney World
Family · Value
An art-filled boutique hotel downtown, away from the theme park crowds.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Downtown Orlando
City · Boutique
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Orlando
High 78°F · Low 59°F · Rain 2.2 in
Holiday decorations go up, and the Christmas season begins at Disney and Universal.
The best times to visit Orlando are January through early March and September through mid-November, outside of major school holidays. Spring break, summer and the Christmas season are the busiest times. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms, and hurricane season runs June through November.
Best Times to Visit Orlando
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Orlando's dining scene goes well beyond theme-park snacks, with celebrity-chef restaurants, international flavors and a thriving local food scene.
- Theme park dining: Character meals at Disney and themed restaurants at Universal are part of the fun.
- Local favorites: Explore Mills 50 for Vietnamese and Asian eats, and Winter Park for upscale dining.
- Must-try: Dole Whip, butterbeer, Cuban sandwiches and fresh Florida seafood.
06
I-Ride Trolley
The I-Ride Trolley runs along International Drive, connecting hotels, attractions and restaurants.
05
Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are widely available and convenient for trips between parks and resorts.
04
Brightline Train
Brightline high-speed trains connect Orlando International Airport with South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
03
Theme Park Transportation
Disney's buses, monorail, Skyliner and boats connect its parks and resorts, while Universal offers shuttles and water taxis.
02
Rental Cars
A car is useful for exploring beyond the parks, including the beaches and Kennedy Space Center.
01
Flying In
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main gateway, about 25 minutes from Walt Disney World and Universal. Orlando Sanford (SFB) serves some budget airlines.
Most visitors fly into Orlando International Airport and rent a car or use a rideshare or resort shuttle. Disney's free transportation connects its parks and resorts, while Universal offers shuttles and water taxis. A car is helpful for day trips to the beaches and Kennedy Space Center.
Getting Around Orlando
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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